The July Fourth holiday is fast approaching. It’s a time for friends, family, relaxing, and fun. So this week, we’re looking at five aviation game apps that are just pure fun! Enjoy the long holiday weekend, and the serious apps will return next week. These are not endorsements of any app.
Flight Unlimited Las Vegas ($2.99 in iTunes)—Users of this iPhone/iPad tablet rave about how visually attractive and realistic the scenes are of Las Vegas. The game allows users to take their pick of five different aircraft to fly over 130 square miles of Sin City. Get a bird’s-eye view of some of the famous hotels on the Las Vegas strip and the cars and buses that traverse the roads.
X-Plane Airshow ($4.99 in iTunes)—There’s not a person alive who’s been to an airshow who hasn’t wanted to be in the skies with the performers. Now you can tap into your inner airshow performer with this iPhone/iPad app. Users can define their flight routine, then fly in formation. Once completed, a score will appear based on how well you held your formation. Aircraft available in the app are the F4U Corsair, P-51 Mustang, F-4 Phantom, F-15 Eagle, F-86 Sabre, and the F/A-18F.
Pocket Planes (free in iTunes and Google Play)—You are the owner and manager of a growing fleet of aircraft in this smartphone/tablet app. Users can fly to more than 250 cities around the globe, unlock access to aircraft ranging from pistons to jumbo jets, trade parts with other users, and customize your airline’s livery and uniforms.
Air Wings (free in iTunes and Google Play)—In this multiplayer smartphone/tablet app, users participate in battles where pilots use paper airplanes to shoot at opponents. Players can choose from nine aircraft types and 13 different multiplayer battle levels, along with a training level.
PicaSim: Free flight simulator ($0.99 in iTunes, free and paid version in Google Play)—Go back to your days of flying radio-controlled aircraft with this smartphone/tablet app. Users have access to realistic wind flow, turbulence, and thermals in gliders ranging from aerobatic airplanes like the Phase 6, Le Fish, and the Jart, up to larger soaring and scale airplanes, plus a full-size hang glider.